In an exclusive interview with Billboard posted today, Shabazz Palaces’ Ishmael Butler talks about being Sub Pop’s newest A&R rep. When asked about making the jump from artist to the “other side” of the biz, the rapper says “Well that’s the thing. I kind of understand what you mean by “the other side,” but [at Sub Pop] for the first time in my recording career I was dealing with people that didn’t seem like they were from another side. It felt like we were all on the same side and moving in the same direction. They understand artists’ wants and needs and that’s something that’s rare in the industry.” Read the full interview here.

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In other news, Sound Off!, Seattle’s underage battle of the bands, is looking for entries for next year’s fest. The Sound Off! concerts happen February 8, 15, and 22 and will culminate in a finals showdown in EMP’s Sky Church on March 1. Deadline is November 4, 2013. Get more info here.